What’s the difference between sightseeing and dining cruises?

Sightseeing cruises focus on bay views, wildlife, and commentary, while dining cruises include reserved tables, multi-course meals, and longer evening sail routes.

Do San Diego cruise tickets include narration?

Yes, most sightseeing cruises include professionally guided narration. Your ticket gives you access to commentary about landmarks, wildlife, and history as you travel across the bay.

Are cruises worth it in San Diego?

Absolutely. San Diego Harbor offers close-up naval views, skyline panoramas, sea lion sightings, and angles you can’t get from land, especially around Coronado Bridge and the USS Midway.

Is seating assigned or first-come-first-served?

Sightseeing cruises use first-come seating, so early arrival helps secure outdoor spots. Dinner and specialty cruises have pre-reserved tables for each booking.

Are children allowed on all cruises?

Yes, kids are welcome on sightseeing cruises and most dining sailings. Some evening or cocktail-focused experiences may have age restrictions, depending on the operator.

Are restrooms available on San Diego cruise vessels?

Yes, most cruise boats are equipped with restrooms that are accessible throughout the entire journey. It’s still a good idea to use facilities at the pier before boarding.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Cruises operate in light wind or fog, but severe weather may cause cancellations.

Are pets allowed on San Diego cruises?

Service animals are permitted, but pets are not allowed on board.

San Diego Cruises | Whale Watching, Dinner & Harbor Tours

Quick overview

Cruise options: Whale watching (2 hours), harbor sightseeing cruises (90 mins), and dining cruises (2.5–3 hours) running during the day, sunset, and night.
Routes & duration: Choose a classic San Diego Bay loop with skyline, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma views, or head north from Oceanside Harbor for open-ocean whale watching.
Boats & seating: Ride open-air catamarans for wildlife tours or large dining vessels with climate-controlled interiors and rooftop decks. Dinner cruises include reserved tables.
Boarding hubs: Whale watching cruises → Oceanside Harbor; Sightseeing/Dinner cruises → Pier 1 & Pier 2, North Harbor Drive
Queues: Allow a 15–20 mins buffer for check-in and boarding; follow pier rules and note that no outside food or drinks are permitted.
When to book: Sunset and weekend dinner cruises sell out first so booking at least a week in advance gives you better timing and seating choices.
Good to know: Cruises operate in light rain, and offer indoor and outdoor areas.

Find your best San Diego cruise match here

Cruise type	Route/sights	Boarding point	Inclusions	Boat type	Seating	Typical duration
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise	Gray, blue & humpback whales; dolphins; coastal views off Oceanside	Oceanside Harbor	Wildlife narration, indoor/outdoor viewing areas	Open-air catamaran	Limited seating; Standing viewing decks	2 hours
San Diego Harbor Sightseeing Cruises	Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, Seaport Village, naval ships & skyline	Pier 2, North Harbor Drive	Live narration, indoor/outdoor decks	Large sightseeing vessel	Casual seating	90 mins
Signature Buffet Dinner Cruise	San Diego Bay by night; Coronado Bridge, Star of India, Hotel del Coronado	Pier 1, Hornblower Landing	Chef-prepared buffet, DJ, cash bar	Climate-controlled dining vessel	Indoor seating and open-air decks	2.5 hours
Premium Dinner Cruise	Elegant nighttime bay route; skyline, Coronado Bridge, historic ships	Pier 1, Hornblower Landing	Plated dinner, DJ, bar, private table, Wi-Fi	Premium dining vessel	Reserved private tables and a rooftop deck	3 hours

What to expect on your San Diego cruise

1/6

Easy boarding

Arrive at Oceanside Harbor or Pier 1/Pier 2 on North Harbor Drive, where staff guide you through quick check-in and smooth boarding before you settle into your preferred deck.

Comfortable seating with indoor lounges & open-air decks

Choose breezy outdoor viewing areas for wildlife spotting and skyline photography, or relax inside climate-controlled cabins on dining vessels with panoramic windows.

Unmatched coastal & skyline views from the water

Spot gray, blue, and humpback whales off Oceanside, or sail past the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma cliffs, Seaport Village, and naval ships in angles only possible from the bay.

Live narration & wildlife insights

Sightseeing and whale watching cruises feature expert narration from local naturalists and guides who share stories, marine facts, and hidden history along the coastline.

Dinner cruises with buffet or plated menus

Evening sailings elevate the experience with chef-prepared buffets or plated dinners, creative cocktails, a fully stocked bar, and DJs keeping the atmosphere lively.

Golden-hour departures & illuminated night views

Sunset and nighttime cruises offer glowing skyline reflections, silhouettes of historic ships, and some of the most photogenic moments on the bay.

Things to know before booking a San Diego cruise

When to book

San Diego cruises run year-round, but March–October is peak season for whale activity and skyline sightseeing.
Sunset, whale watching, and weekend departures often sell out 5–10 days ahead. Morning departures are generally quieter and easier to secure.

Routes

Harbor routes typically cover the North Bay, South Bay, or both, passing landmarks such as the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma.
Whale watching routes head into open Pacific waters and may extend based on wildlife location.

Day vs evening sailings

Day cruises provide the best visibility for wildlife and coastal landmarks.
Evening and dinner sailings offer views of the illuminated skyline and calmer water conditions closer to the bay.

Boat types & seating

Sightseeing and whale watching vessels often feature multiple open-air decks with limited shade and enclosed cabins for comfort.
Dinner boats use climate-controlled dining rooms with large panoramic windows.

Your San Diego cruise boarding points explained

Address: 256 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside, CA 92054 | Find on Maps

Getting there:

By train: COASTER and Amtrak services to Oceanside Transit Center, then a short taxi/ride-share to Harbor Drive.
By bus: Local buses connect the Transit Center to stops near Oceanside Harbor.
By car/taxi: Take I-5 → exit for Oceanside Harbor (Harbor Drive South); paid parking is available nearby.

Famous for: Launch point of the 2-hour whale & dolphin watching cruise aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran, right in front of the historic lighthouse and scenic marina.

Address: 970 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | Find on Maps

Getting there:

By train: Amtrak/COASTER to Santa Fe Depot, about a 10–12 min walk to Pier 2.
By bus: Routes 11, 215, and 992 stop at N Harbor Dr & Broadway, a short walk from the pier.
By car/taxi: From I-5, exit at Hawthorn Street → North Harbor Drive; paid waterfront parking lots are available.

Famous for: Central location near the USS Midway and Seaport Village, ideal for 90-min narrated bay loop sightseeing cruises.

Address: 1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | Find on Maps

Getting there:

By train: Santa Fe Depot is the nearest major station; walk or take a short taxi/ride-share to Pier 1.
By bus: Same bus routes as Pier 2 with stops along N Harbor Drive near Grape Street.
By car/taxi: Easy access via North Harbor Drive; nearby paid lots include ACA Parking and Ash Street Garage.

Famous for: Departure point for 2.5–3-hour dinner cruises with rooftop decks, live DJs, and plated or buffet dining.

What you’ll see on your San Diego cruise

1/7

USS Midway Museum

From the harbor, the massive USS Midway dominates the waterfront, its flight deck stretching over the water. You’ll glide past its bow for perfect wide-angle photos, especially striking when reflections shimmer across the bay during golden hour.

Star of India

Sailing by this 1863 iron-hulled ship gives you rare close-up views of its towering masts and rigging. From the water, its black hull contrasts beautifully with the marina, making it one of the most photogenic moments on the harbor loop.

Coronado bridge

The curved span of the San Diego–Coronado bridge rises dramatically overhead as your boat approaches. Its sweeping arc looks even taller from the water, offering one of the cruise’s best symmetry-and-skyline photo angles.

Seaport village

Bright waterfront shops, boardwalks, and sailboats line the edge of Seaport village. From the bay you’ll see its colorful rooftops and lively promenade, a lively mid-cruise highlight with great skyline backdrop shots.

Naval Base San Diego

You’ll cruise past active Navy ships like destroyers, carriers, and support vessels, often with sailors working on deck. It’s one of the few places to see this modern fleet up close, with excellent viewing angles along the channel.

Wildlife: dolphins, sea lions & whales

From Oceanside Harbor, the open-water stretch brings dolphin pods, sea lions on buoys, and (seasonally) gray, blue, or humpback whales. Spot their blows and flukes against the wide Pacific.

Oceanside lighthouse & harbor village

As you depart Oceanside, the red-roofed lighthouse and harbor village frame the channel with sailboats drifting beside you. The scene makes for postcard-style departure photos before you reach deeper waters where marine life appears.

Plan your cruise

San Diego skyline viewed from a boat on the Best of the Bay Harbor Tour.

Whale watching:

Daily departures: 9am, 12pm and 2:30pm
Duration: 2 hours

Sightseeing cruise:

Daily departures: 12pm, 1:45pm and 3:30pm
Duration: 90 mins

Dinner cruise:

Daily departures: 7pm
Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Whale watching boat in Oceanside Harbor, San Diego, with kayakers nearby.

Best time of day: Late afternoon (post-3pm) is the ideal time to cruise because the lighting becomes softer and golden, making the skyline, harbor, and wildlife easier to photograph. Morning departures (9am) are calmer and less crowded, offering smoother water conditions for uninterrupted sightseeing.
Best season: The best overall season for sightseeing cruises is from April to October, when the weather is warm, the days are longer, and the bay is clearer for views of the skyline and naval ships. Whale watching peaks in winter for gray whales and summer for blue whales, giving visitors year-round wildlife opportunities.
Special moments: Sunset and evening cruises offer dramatic colors over the Pacific and beautifully illuminated cityscapes, creating some of the most memorable photo moments.

Restroom sign with symbols for men, women, and wheelchair accessibility.

You’ll find comfortable indoor and outdoor seating on most boats, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy the views.
All major vessels offer onboard restrooms.
Open-air decks are available on your boats.
Bay cruises often feature climate-controlled cabins, so you can stay comfortable in any weather.
Select boats offer snack bars or beverage counters where you can purchase refreshments during the cruise.
Every vessel is equipped with life jackets and essential safety gear for your peace of mind.
A professional captain and trained crew are onboard to guide the experience and assist guests as needed.
Most piers offer helpful amenities such as ticket counters, nearby cafés, and restrooms for added convenience before boarding.

Girl in a wheelchair holding a smartphone on a city sidewalk.

Most large cruise boats on San Diego Bay are wheelchair and stroller accessible, with level boarding ramps and spacious indoor seating.
Whale-watching boats may involve one or two steps and have limited wheelchair access.
Those with reduced mobility should arrive early so that crew members can assist where possible.

No smoking sign in front of historic building in Rome, Italy.

No large luggage, coolers, or heavy bags onboard.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited.
Pets are not allowed on board. You can only bring certified service animals.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
Follow all wildlife-viewing guidelines during whale-watching tours for safety.

Tips & guidelines

Arrive 30 mins early so you can validate your mobile/printed ticket and confirm you’re at the correct pier before boarding begins.
Sightseeing cruises use first-come, first-served seating, so early arrivals get the best deck positions for skyline views.
Dinner cruises have pre-assigned tables, but arriving early helps you settle in and request small preferences like window-side seating if available.
For the best photos, sit starboard when departing to frame the USS Midway, then switch sides for Coronado Bridge on the return.
Sunset and evening departures get breezy so choose mid-ship seating for smoother motion and warmer conditions.
Families with strollers should fold them before the boarding call to speed up the queue and secure group seating together.
Motion-sensitive travelers should avoid the bow, where wind and wake are usually strongest during afternoon departures.

Frequently asked questions about San Diego cruises

Sightseeing cruises typically last 1 or 2 hours, covering either the North Bay, South Bay, or both. Dinner and special-event cruises run 2–3 hours, depending on the operator.

Cruise 20 miles of San Diego Bay on a 90-min narrated sightseeing tour led by local experts.

Everything you get: Sail across San Diego Bay’s sparkling water on a sightseeing boat tour with an experienced local guide leading the way. Expect live narration as you cruise past over 50 iconic landmarks including Seaport Village, and Cabrillo National Monument. You can even spot sea lions, pelicans, and other marine wildlife along the way.
Why choose this: With live narration, onboard dining, and both indoor and outdoor seating, this cruise is perfect for families, couples, and photographers alike. Enjoy an authentic local perspective with expert commentary and unforgettable waterfront views.

Inclusions #

90-min cruise of San Diego Bay
Live commentary by local San Diego experts
Comfortable climate-controlled indoor seating areas
Outdoor viewing decks
Views of 50+ landmarks including Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Bridge & Point Loma

Exclusions #

Food & drinks (available for purchase on board)

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing with a light jacket or sweater since it can get breezy on the bay. Don’t forget to wear non-slip shoes.
Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
If you are prone to motion sickness, carry the appropriate medication prescribed to you.

What’s not allowed

Do not bring outside food or beverages.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on board.
Pets are not allowed on board.
Large bags, coolers, or oversized luggage are not permitted on board.

Accessibility

Some vessels in the fleet are wheelchair accessible, but not all decks and boats may be. Please contact the operator in advance to confirm accessibility for your selected date.
Crew members are available to assist with boarding and seating as needed.
Registered service animals are welcome.
Keep in mind that access to outer decks is by stairs only.

Additional information

Arrive at least 30 mins before departure for check-in and boarding.
Pay-to-park options are available nearby.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for 30 days before it runs out. The days needn't be consecutive.
Non-activated passes are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Inclusions #

Choice of 2/3/4/5/7 of San Diego's top attractions
Access to attractions: San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo & more
Access to outdoor activities: San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, Whale Watching by City Cruises, San Diego Hiking Tour & more
Discounts at restaurants: South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package & more
Get complete details here

Certain attractions require prior bookings. For the complete list, please click here
You can visit each attraction once daily for your chosen pass.

Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Ferry to Alcatraz, then cruise the Bay Area—flexible departures to match your schedule.

Everything you get: Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the historic prison grounds with a multilingual audio guide. Wander through the cell blocks, exercise yard, and more at your own pace. This experience also includes a 60-min San Francisco Bay Cruise, which you can enjoy on any day that fits your schedule, with flexible departure times and sweeping views of the city skyline.
Why choose this: It combines two iconic San Francisco experiences, giving you unbeatable value and great flexibility in a single ticket.
Upgrades: If you feel adventurous, opt for a night tour of Alcatraz instead, which comes with all the perks of a day tour plus an unforgettably mysterious atmosphere.

Inclusions #

Round-trip daytime ferry to Alcatraz Island
Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
Multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
1-hour San Francisco Bay cruise
Round-trip night ferry to Alcatraz Island (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Live guide
Food and beverages
Hotel transfers
Gratuities

Alcatraz Island:

The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
You can explore the island for as long as you like (on the day tour). If you’re opting for the night tour, you have to catch the night ferry back, there’s no option to stay overnight.
Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

San Francisco Bay cruise:

Boarding starts 30 min before departure.
It is wheelchair accessible.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Get ready for a San Diego sea and land adventure like no other on this 90-minute SEAL Tour with informative narration for all sights.
Both an open-air tour bus and boat, in the first part of this tour you’ll get to know the streets of ‘America’s Finest City.’
Pass by the Embarcadero, an expansive waterfront area, and the San Diego International Airport.
Learn about the significant military history of the city as you tour the scenic Big Bay.
Once your land tour is complete, it’s time to make a splash as you cruise through the waters of the Bay.
Catch sight of San Diego sea lions, brown pelicans, and other wildlife species.
Soak up the maritime history and attractions – a huge part of San Diego’s past and present.
Attractions you’ll see include Point Loma with its impressive mansions, the North Island Naval Air Station, Point Loma Submarine Base, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Marine Mammal Training Center, Shelter Island, and much more.

Inclusions #

90-minute SEAL Tour with an audio guide
Open-air sightseeing vehicle
State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard-certified Hydra-Terra vehicle

Exclusions #

Live guide
Any meals and drinks
Tickets/entry to any attractions
Public transport and transfers

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for the number of calendar days (not 24-hour periods). For example, if you select a 3-day pass and visit an attraction on Monday afternoon, your pass is valid for the remainder of Monday and the 2 consecutive days of the week.
Your pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Inclusions #

1/2/3/4/5/7 days validity
Access to attractions: USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, Museum of Making Music & more
Access to outdoor activities: San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, Whale Watching by City Cruises, San Diego Hiking Tour & more
Discounts at restaurants: South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package & more
Get complete details here

Exclusions #

Public transport
Hotel transfers
Food and drinks

Certain attractions require prior bookings. For the complete list, please click here.
You can visit each attraction once daily for your chosen pass.

Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Cruise 20 miles of San Diego Bay on a 90-min narrated sightseeing tour led by local experts.

Everything you get: Sail across San Diego Bay’s sparkling water on a sightseeing boat tour with an experienced local guide leading the way. Expect live narration as you cruise past over 50 iconic landmarks including Seaport Village, and Cabrillo National Monument. You can even spot sea lions, pelicans, and other marine wildlife along the way.
Why choose this: With live narration, onboard dining, and both indoor and outdoor seating, this cruise is perfect for families, couples, and photographers alike. Enjoy an authentic local perspective with expert commentary and unforgettable waterfront views.

Inclusions #

90-min cruise of San Diego Bay
Live commentary by local San Diego experts
Comfortable climate-controlled indoor seating areas
Outdoor viewing decks
Views of 50+ landmarks including Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Bridge & Point Loma

Exclusions #

Food & drinks (available for purchase on board)

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing with a light jacket or sweater since it can get breezy on the bay. Don’t forget to wear non-slip shoes.
Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
If you are prone to motion sickness, carry the appropriate medication prescribed to you.

What’s not allowed

Do not bring outside food or beverages.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on board.
Pets are not allowed on board.
Large bags, coolers, or oversized luggage are not permitted on board.

Accessibility

Some vessels in the fleet are wheelchair accessible, but not all decks and boats may be. Please contact the operator in advance to confirm accessibility for your selected date.
Crew members are available to assist with boarding and seating as needed.
Registered service animals are welcome.
Keep in mind that access to outer decks is by stairs only.

Additional information

Arrive at least 30 mins before departure for check-in and boarding.
Pay-to-park options are available nearby.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for 30 days before it runs out. The days needn't be consecutive.
Non-activated passes are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Inclusions #

Choice of 2/3/4/5/7 of San Diego's top attractions
Access to attractions: San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo & more
Access to outdoor activities: San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, Whale Watching by City Cruises, San Diego Hiking Tour & more
Discounts at restaurants: South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package & more
Get complete details here

Certain attractions require prior bookings. For the complete list, please click here
You can visit each attraction once daily for your chosen pass.

Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Ferry to Alcatraz, then cruise the Bay Area—flexible departures to match your schedule.

Everything you get: Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the historic prison grounds with a multilingual audio guide. Wander through the cell blocks, exercise yard, and more at your own pace. This experience also includes a 60-min San Francisco Bay Cruise, which you can enjoy on any day that fits your schedule, with flexible departure times and sweeping views of the city skyline.
Why choose this: It combines two iconic San Francisco experiences, giving you unbeatable value and great flexibility in a single ticket.
Upgrades: If you feel adventurous, opt for a night tour of Alcatraz instead, which comes with all the perks of a day tour plus an unforgettably mysterious atmosphere.

Inclusions #

Round-trip daytime ferry to Alcatraz Island
Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
Multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
1-hour San Francisco Bay cruise
Round-trip night ferry to Alcatraz Island (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Live guide
Food and beverages
Hotel transfers
Gratuities

Alcatraz Island:

The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
You can explore the island for as long as you like (on the day tour). If you’re opting for the night tour, you have to catch the night ferry back, there’s no option to stay overnight.
Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

San Francisco Bay cruise:

Boarding starts 30 min before departure.
It is wheelchair accessible.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Get ready for a San Diego sea and land adventure like no other on this 90-minute SEAL Tour with informative narration for all sights.
Both an open-air tour bus and boat, in the first part of this tour you’ll get to know the streets of ‘America’s Finest City.’
Pass by the Embarcadero, an expansive waterfront area, and the San Diego International Airport.
Learn about the significant military history of the city as you tour the scenic Big Bay.
Once your land tour is complete, it’s time to make a splash as you cruise through the waters of the Bay.
Catch sight of San Diego sea lions, brown pelicans, and other wildlife species.
Soak up the maritime history and attractions – a huge part of San Diego’s past and present.
Attractions you’ll see include Point Loma with its impressive mansions, the North Island Naval Air Station, Point Loma Submarine Base, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Marine Mammal Training Center, Shelter Island, and much more.

Inclusions #

90-minute SEAL Tour with an audio guide
Open-air sightseeing vehicle
State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard-certified Hydra-Terra vehicle

Exclusions #

Live guide
Any meals and drinks
Tickets/entry to any attractions
Public transport and transfers

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for the number of calendar days (not 24-hour periods). For example, if you select a 3-day pass and visit an attraction on Monday afternoon, your pass is valid for the remainder of Monday and the 2 consecutive days of the week.
Your pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Inclusions #

1/2/3/4/5/7 days validity
Access to attractions: USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, Museum of Making Music & more
Access to outdoor activities: San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, Whale Watching by City Cruises, San Diego Hiking Tour & more
Discounts at restaurants: South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package & more
Get complete details here

Exclusions #

Public transport
Hotel transfers
Food and drinks

Certain attractions require prior bookings. For the complete list, please click here.
You can visit each attraction once daily for your chosen pass.

Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Sightseeing Cruises

San Diego Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Cruise 20 miles of San Diego Bay on a 90-min narrated sightseeing tour led by local experts.

Everything you get: Sail across San Diego Bay’s sparkling water on a sightseeing boat tour with an experienced local guide leading the way. Expect live narration as you cruise past over 50 iconic landmarks including Seaport Village, and Cabrillo National Monument. You can even spot sea lions, pelicans, and other marine wildlife along the way.
Why choose this: With live narration, onboard dining, and both indoor and outdoor seating, this cruise is perfect for families, couples, and photographers alike. Enjoy an authentic local perspective with expert commentary and unforgettable waterfront views.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 30 min.

Meals included

City Cards

Go City San Diego Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for 30 days before it runs out. The days needn't be consecutive.
Non-activated passes are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Extended validity

Flexible duration

Sightseeing Cruises

Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

Ferry to Alcatraz, then cruise the Bay Area—flexible departures to match your schedule.

Everything you get: Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the historic prison grounds with a multilingual audio guide. Wander through the cell blocks, exercise yard, and more at your own pace. This experience also includes a 60-min San Francisco Bay Cruise, which you can enjoy on any day that fits your schedule, with flexible departure times and sweeping views of the city skyline.
Why choose this: It combines two iconic San Francisco experiences, giving you unbeatable value and great flexibility in a single ticket.
Upgrades: If you feel adventurous, opt for a night tour of Alcatraz instead, which comes with all the perks of a day tour plus an unforgettably mysterious atmosphere.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Meals included

Sightseeing Cruises

SEAL San Diego Tour - Audio-Guided Bus Tour & Bay Cruise

Get ready for a San Diego sea and land adventure like no other on this 90-minute SEAL Tour with informative narration for all sights.
Both an open-air tour bus and boat, in the first part of this tour you’ll get to know the streets of ‘America’s Finest City.’
Pass by the Embarcadero, an expansive waterfront area, and the San Diego International Airport.
Learn about the significant military history of the city as you tour the scenic Big Bay.
Once your land tour is complete, it’s time to make a splash as you cruise through the waters of the Bay.
Catch sight of San Diego sea lions, brown pelicans, and other wildlife species.
Soak up the maritime history and attractions – a huge part of San Diego’s past and present.
Attractions you’ll see include Point Loma with its impressive mansions, the North Island Naval Air Station, Point Loma Submarine Base, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Marine Mammal Training Center, Shelter Island, and much more.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

City Cards

Go City San Diego All-Inclusive Pass: 45 Attractions

First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for the number of calendar days (not 24-hour periods). For example, if you select a 3-day pass and visit an attraction on Monday afternoon, your pass is valid for the remainder of Monday and the 2 consecutive days of the week.
Your pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Extended validity

Flexible duration

San Diego Cruises

Top things to do in San Diego

Quick overview

Find your best San Diego cruise match here

What to expect on your San Diego cruise

Easy boarding

Comfortable seating with indoor lounges & open-air decks

Unmatched coastal & skyline views from the water

Live narration & wildlife insights

Dinner cruises with buffet or plated menus

Golden-hour departures & illuminated night views

Things to know before booking a San Diego cruise

Your San Diego cruise boarding points explained

What you’ll see on your San Diego cruise

USS Midway Museum

Star of India

Coronado bridge

Seaport village

Naval Base San Diego

Wildlife: dolphins, sea lions & whales

Oceanside lighthouse & harbor village

Plan your cruise

Tips & guidelines

Frequently asked questions about San Diego cruises

How long does a standard San Diego Harbor cruise last?

What’s the difference between sightseeing and dining cruises?

Do San Diego cruise tickets include narration?

Are cruises worth it in San Diego?

Is seating assigned or first-come-first-served?

Are children allowed on all cruises?

Are restrooms available on San Diego cruise vessels?

What happens if the weather is bad?

Are pets allowed on San Diego cruises?

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

San Diego Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Go City San Diego Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

SEAL San Diego Tour - Audio-Guided Bus Tour & Bay Cruise

Go City San Diego All-Inclusive Pass: 45 Attractions